Automated DNA-image cytometry: a prognostic tool in infiltrating bladder carcinoma?

In a retrospective study, paraffin-embedded cystectomy specimens obtained from 46 patients with bladder cancer (stage pT1 — pT4a, pN0, pN2) were analysed for tumor DNA ploidy and proliferation using automated image cytometry (LEYTAS). In 41 cases, DNA ploidy could be measured. Estimation of proliferation was possible in 26 tumors. The number of cells with a DNA content higher than 5C could be calculated in 38 of the tumors. All these three parameters are shown to correlate with patient outcome.